Neighborliest Chain Store

Andronico's Market

Not all chain stores are Wal-Mart-style predators, swooping into communities and putting mom-and-pop stores out of business. Nor are they all like Whole Foods, which shoppers assume is progressive because it sells natural foods and holistic products, when in fact it's virulently anti-union and pays comparatively low wages. The Berkeley-based Andronico's grocery chain, on the other hand, strives to give back to the community, pays well, and has an "excellent relationship" with United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 120, says local president Tim Hamman. The 75-year-old Andronico's also pours 25 percent of its profits back into Bay Area communities with donations and scholarships. Local organizations it supports include Children's Hospital of Oakland, Albany Little League, Albany-Berkeley Girls Softball, the Children's Health Council, and the Contra Costa Children's Fund.